An important turning point in India-UK relations was recently reached when External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar opened a new Consulate General of India in Manchester.
Vishakha Yaduvanshi’s appointment as Consul General made the opening, which happened on International Women’s Day, especially noteworthy because it demonstrated the Indian government’s focus on women’s issues. The consulate, according to Jaishankar, is a sign of the increasing significance of the Indian diaspora in the area and a step towards closer bilateral relations, including the possibility of an FTA between India and the UK.
With great expectations for further commerce, investment, education, and technology exchanges, Jaishankar stressed that the consulate is more than just a diplomatic post; it is an investment in the relationship between India and the UK. He pointed out that Manchester has a significant amount of investment in India, with over 300 Indian companies doing business there and commerce worth about 700 million pounds.
The community’s long-standing desire for a more robust diplomatic presence in Manchester is thought to have prompted the consulate’s foundation.
Jaishankar also met with UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner while he was there to talk about measures to improve commerce and people-to-people interactions as well as bilateral connections. He was upbeat about India-UK relations going forward and said the consulate will be essential to fostering closer ties.
Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett and Minister Catherine West were among the dignitaries who attended the event, highlighting its importance.
